THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As summer peaks, the state is facing an increased threat of snakebites. Experts advise caution as snakes turn more aggressive during summer which is their mating season.
During 2018-19, a record number of 123 snakebite deaths had happened in the state followed by 71 deaths in 2019-20. Thanks to SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue and Protection app) mobile application launched by the state forest department in 2020, the number of casualties due to snakebites has come down.
Annually, 12,000-15,000 calls are received by a trained group of 700 active volunteers from across the state which advises on giving immediate first-aid to the victim and also guides them to the nearest hospital where antivenoms are available. It has been found that the villain behind the maximum snakebite deaths reported from the state is Cobra.
During 2020-21 the casualties had come down to a further 52. Statistics reveal that an average of 1,250 calls are received by SARPA volunteers every month. During the 2023-24 fiscal, 34 deaths have been reported due to snakebites so far. The SARPA’s 2,400 certified volunteers which include 700 active volunteers get the maximum calls from Palakkad, Thrissur, Kannur and Ernakulam districts.
Y Mohammed Anwar, assistant conservator of forests and state nodal officer for snake rescue who also heads the Special Investigation Team in Kollam told TNIE, “Palakkad experiences humid conditions more compared to other districts which triggers the snakes to come out of their pits. Krait is a typical nocturnal snake which has been widely found in Palakkad. Deaths due to Krait bites have also been reported. But the maximum deaths due to snakebites is caused by Cobra,” said Mohammed Anwar.
Herpetologist Sandeep Das who is also one of the admins of the popular FB group told TNIE, “Currently, we are undertaking a scientific study to evaluate the reasons behind the number of snakebite deaths coming down. I feel that there are multiple reasons for it. Apart from the SARPA app, medical facilities have been improved in hospitals. Post Covid, the majority of the district hospitals have ventilators which are also helping the snakebite victims to come out of danger.”
G S Roshni, forest officer at Paruthippally forest range division in Thiruvananthapuram, told TNIE, “Over the last two years, I have rescued more than 400 snakes with Cobra topping the list followed by Python, Krait and Viper. Now the mating season is on when the snakes show aggressiveness when they come into contact with human beings.”
